His win followed losses earlier on Tuesday by compatriots David Ferrer, Carla Suarez and GarbiAe Muguruza that left Nadal -- the gold medalist at the 2012 London Games -- as Spain's only option for a medal in singles play, reports Efe.

The Olympics mark Nadal's return to competition after a two-month hiatus due a wrist injured that forced him to withdraw from the French Open.

World No. 5 Nadal jumped out to a 3-0 lead over the 71st-ranked Italian, who hasn't won a tournament since 2012, and rolled to a fairly easy victory.